“It's too late, they have already done it, and you will never get out of here alive.”
“What do you mean it's too late?” asked Adonis.
“The experiment, you are here to stop it aren't you? They knew you were coming and it has already begun.”
“This can't be true!” Adonis shouted and called Alan: “Alan, do you read, over?”
“Yes, did something happen, over?”
“You must get to the device as fast as you can. I have the reason to believe that they have already started the experiment. To be sure, we need to get there fast. I am heading to you right now, over.”
Alan was silent for a couple of seconds, and then answered: “We are heading straight to the lab now, over.”
“All right, we are on our way.”
Adonis left two Dorgs in the command center to look at the cameras and inform them if someone was coming. At that time, the second group was creating chaos on the second level where the experimenting labs were. They were destroying everything, burning the DNA “experiments” kept in huge glass jars, making sure the machines were completely destroyed. Many of the new humanoids, which the “Company” created, were patrolling in and around the building. Some of them tried to resist the opposition but were easily defeated. The Dorgs were the main key to success: fast and strong, they neutralized the enemy. The third group was slowly advancing in the detached part of the building where the device was. Strangely, there were no guards in this section. The fourth group was following them slightly behind. Soon the third group reached the lab from where the experiment was going to take place.
“Alan, do you read, over?”
“Yes Kane, over.”
“We have reached the lab. Where are you?”
“We are just there.”
Shortly after, Alans's group reached Kane. They also noticed that there was no one outside or inside. Something was not right. Alan slowly opened the lab and one by one, all of them entered. The Dorgs stayed outside to guard the door. The place was huge with many devices and instruments. Alan started remembering this room, with foggy figures talking around him while he was lying on the operation table. He got a strong headache and had to sit. Suddenly, from the middle of the lab a small device started coming out from the floor, just above the ground level. Seconds later a beam of light came out and a holographic image appeared. It was Dr. Rob, the man with the tattoo.
“Welcome to our facility. I hope you are feeling comfortable and fascinated by the technology you see there. I would like to apologize for my absence but unfortunately, the circumstances did not allow me to be there personally. Maybe you are wondering why there were no guards protecting the lab and as you might have already noticed, they are not really humans. At the moment, you are at our … old facility, from which we were conducting experiments and invented many of our technologies. If you look through the windows, you will find yourself in a world full with people who are under our control. I am sorry to disappoint you, but the experiment you were trying to prevent already took place at our new facility. If you don't believe me, you could look through the windows and see for yourself. The people you were trying to protect are now coming for you. They are no longer the loving free humans you were hoping to save, and have been instructed to stop everybody around the facility you are in now. They will show no emotions or feelings. Everything you have been praying for is ending right there right now. I believe you know Azmo, who was part of your group. Fortunately, we used our new technology to change his mind again and now he might be your greatest enemy. We live in a world where so many people have different opinions. Different visions of how the world should look like, but in the end only the people who believe it the most win. The rest has just been captured in the other people's realities and believe me, that reality is a false existence. You do not need to be manipulated by foreign thoughts, to be considered a sleeper. If you don't act on the things you love, you will be living in someone else's dream. Don't you agree? Pity, we all live in this particular version of the world and in this one… you are losing. I am not sure if you or I created it, but I can assure you I feel most comfortable in it. Learn to feel how it feels because you will have to get used to it in the future. I offer you two choices to come out of this situation. You surrender and we change the intent of the so—called citizens towards you, and we can discuss your future within the “Company,” or… you stay there and try to survive when soon thousands will surround the building and break in. You could always contact me by pressing the green button on the device. Make your choice.” The holographic image disappeared.
Everybody looked through the windows and what they saw was a nightmare manifesting in front of their eyes. Alan clenched his teeth seeing that the streets were full with people acting according to Rob's plan and the only thing, which could save them, was a miracle. He remembered what Alberi has told him: “When everything else fails and breaks down, you are left with the strongest weapon of all — your imagination. Remember that all that is in front of you is there because of you and it can stay or disappear only if you change yourself.”
The four groups gathered in the experimental lab. They needed a plan and they needed it fast. The streets and everything around the “Company'” building were full of civilians wanting to capture them. Suddenly they heard sounds coming from outside the lab when one of the Megors entered. He signaled them to follow him. He led the group to one passage just behind the lab. They didn't know where it was leading but there was no other choice. The Megor entered a ventilation shaft and everyone started crawling through the tunnels. Soon they reached a stairs, under the building, going to the canalization. Soon they met with Erion and a couple of his people.
“Erion, they have executed the plan, it's all over. Apparently, the “Company” has a second facility from which they have conducted the experiment and we don't know where it is. They have captured Azmo and turned him and the citizens into living zombies. They are heading our way right now. We can't hurt humans in our attempt to escape. I am afraid we failed…” Alan said.
“There is no time for pity. We need to get back to my shelter and think what we should do next. For now, our only aim is to get back there unharmed. We must move!”
Erion started running back and everybody followed him. Alan's heart was devastated, he hoped it would all end today, but instead it just started. The “Company” has succeeded in controlling the people in their city. That meant they could control more regions, if the “warriors” do not stop them. All those years of preparation and hopes would be over. Anika and Alan were running side by side. Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do or say to change the situation. They were running through the canalization labyrinths, trying to focus on the present situation. Suddenly Erion stopped and made a sign for everyone to stop. He started listening and signaled for all to stay close to the walls and not to move. The canals were covered with little water and walking would make sounds. He jumped towards the ceiling and placed his feet and palms on it. Everyone except the Megors looked puzzled when he just stayed there upside down without falling on the ground. It was one of the skills that the Megors developed in the labs. He slowly started crawling towards the sound. There were pipes in the corridors, passing overhead, which allowed him to hide behind them and to move unnoticed. While he was getting closer, the voices got clearer. It was Azmo. Erion decided to act and not to let them escape. He waited for them to get close. Azmo was with another soldier searching the tunnels. When they walked beneath Erion, he jumped and with one arm caught Azmo from behind, putting his hand on his mouth and with the other hand grabbed the other men and banged his head against the wall. Azmo tried to resist but was no match for Erion. The King hit him in the back of his knees, forcing him to kneel and then knocked him down with a strong blow to his neck. He took the communication device and gave a green light to the rest. Everyone was surprised to see Azmo when they joined Erion. Unfortunately, he was not the person they knew. One of the Dorgs took him on his shou
lder and the group continued walking back to the shelter. Soon, the end of the canalization was in front of them. The river was close to the “Company'” building. Erion gave a sign to walk to the city market, which was not far from there. Alan remembered that there was the old shop of his friend Alberi. Moving fast, away from the main roads, they were trying to use the cover of the trees and the bushes. In couple of minutes they reached the market and hid behind one little cabin. There was no one around and it seemed as it was deserted. Alan knew that everyone who used to sell there was now no longer conscious and was a slave of the “Company.” The group slowly walked through the market, moving swiftly between the little barracks. Erion entered one small shop and Alan realized that this was Alberi's old market place, where he used to work and sell his jewelry. This was very strange for him but followed the rest of the group. Everyone went inside when Alan decided to ask Erion:
“Erion, I thought we are going back to your shelter.”
“Exactly kid, we are getting there. Have patience. Everyone, stay close to the walls!” Erion went to the left wall and pulled one handle. That caused the house to shake a little and in the middle of the room, a secret passage revealed itself. ” That is amazing,” thought Alan. The King quickly entered and everyone followed him. When all were down, Erion pulled another handle and the entrance closed. He lit a torch, which was on one of the walls and slowly started walking forward.
“This is a secret passage, which goes under the river and will take us on the other side where my hidden base is. I have built it a long time ago for cases like that.” ” I am glad I've built it,” thought Erion.
Anika got close to Alan:
“Alan, wasn't that Alberi's old market shop?”
“Yes, I am surprised too. I wonder what other secrets the old man has. For now, let's see where this will lead us.”
The group was slowly walking forward as they could hear the water above their heads. The passage was old and there was a chance the bottom of the river to collapse. Nevertheless, there was no other way and everyone kept going. After a couple of minutes, they reached the other side. Erion stopped and looked back.
“Are we all here?”
They looked at each other and nodded positively. Erion continued walking forward. The way was now going under the ground heading east. Alan remembered that Alberi was once talking about a place close to the river, which was located at the east side of the city. He could not remember why he mentioned that, but it looked like it was important. Erion stopped and asked everyone to wait on its place. He got near a lid on the ceiling that was going to take them to the shelter. Just before opening it, he heard sounds. The King got back and asked two of the Megors to go with him. They started talking in the strange language between them. In one minute, Erion came back to the others:
“There are people above our heads who are not from our group. There is a second way up. This lid is located beneath our base, but the second one is couple of meters away. We will go ahead and find out what is going on. Everyone, stay here and wait for our signal.”
Erion and the other two Megors turned left where the tunnel was leading, and then walked straight a little longer when they reached the second lid. The King opened it and quietly climbed up followed by the other two. They were close to a small wooden house and slowly got closer to see who was inside. Erion looked first and his eyes opened wide, he wrinkled his forehead and looked down to the ground with disbelief. The two Megors came to him, but he signaled them to get back to the others.
“I have sad news my friends. We saw something that we didn't expect and we need to find out a new way to proceed. It looks like we won't be able to enter now and I suggest we stay here until we came up with a good plan before we make our move.” Erion was quiet for a minute. The group was curious what got Erion think that much and to be silent. He was known for his decisiveness and sharp though, but now he was unable to make a decision. He continued:
“Friends, I need to confess something. What I saw today shocked me and made me think of what humans are capable of. Where does the humaneness starts and where it ends. What is moral and what is not. So many things are going through my head right now that I don't know where to start. Let's begin with my point of view of how the Megors were created. There was a man called Alberi and I believe Alan knew him very well. Everything started with him. Since young age, he was fascinated by the human body and especially with the human DNA. He was conducting different experiments, which he believed would help him to understand the human nature and thus he could create the cure for all diseases. All people would be healthy and no one would ever have to go into a hospital. He was an excellent student and was given many opportunities to work with the best in the field. Learning a lot, he was trusted to work on big projects. After a couple of years experimenting with animals, he managed to create a mouse immune to a couple of diseases, which normally would make it sick or kill it. That pushed Alberi not only to discover the ultimate health but also to make us immune to death. That became the ultimate goal for him. Along with his experiments, there was another person who shared the same ideas. He was the head of the laboratory team in the “Company.” His name is Dr. Rob. Years ago, he contacted Alberi, offering him a job and the chance to use the most advanced technology to conduct his experiments. Alberi agreed and together they gave the beginning of the real biological warfare era. Both men were spending endless hours experimenting with human DNA, researching different ideas and bringing our technology to a new level. One day Alberi made his breakthrough. He created a mouse that was immune to almost all diseases. That same day, Dr. Rob started a secret project called “Shield,” which was all about creating the perfect human being. They wanted to make the human impenetrable. At first, the scientists started experimenting with mental patients who were in a terminal stage of their sickness. Soon after introducing the serum, which they used in the mice, they saw little improvements in the subjects. Not long after that, they introduced a new formula, which was almost perfect. The human subjects were stronger, smarter, and immune to most of the diseases. Unfortunately, shortly after the experiment, they were going crazy and usually would try to kill themselves. A period without advancement started and the project was suspended. Alberi was devastated. They were so close when the “Company” stopped the research. It was a difficult period for the scientist. One day however, while he was walking home, a car stopped next to him and a man asked Alberi to enter. No one knows what exactly happened when he was in that car, but on the next day, he got the right formula for his experiments. He contacted Dr. Rob and demonstrated him the serum that made a subject immune to all diseases and most importantly, he was mentally stable. The other day Alberi told Dr. Rob what happened and how he managed to combine the right substance for the experiment. When he got in the car, he met with a man who gave him the right formula. The man himself was strange and difficult to understand. Alberi not only got the solution for his problem, but also the strange man handed him a suitcase with a couple of other samples with a dark red liquid. He also gave him specific instructions on how to conduct the experiments and what to expect. The red liquid in the glass tubes was in short the way to create Dorgs. This liquid had to be injected in a special way into female carriers, who would be used to carry the embryo and give birth to the creatures. With time, the man from the car revealed himself. He was not a human. There was an alien colony living on Earth, monitoring how the human race was evolving and advancing in every way. With time, they got concerned about the destructive influence the human actions had on the planet Earth and to themselves too. They were not able to stay aside and watch how everything is been destroyed by greedy humans with animal instincts and low intelligence. The population was getting sick and they had to do something about it. That is why they contacted Alberi and helped him with his experiment. They wanted to make all people immune to their own deeds first. Alberi shared that information with Dr. Rob and both started creating the perfect human beings, which they called Dorgs. Alo
ng with these experiments, they were also breeding Megors. The first Megors, who were born, died shortly after birth. They did not know what to do but with the help of the mysterious being, they managed to have a couple of them born alive. Along with these experiments, they tried interbreeding between Dorg and Megor DNA. I was one of the first to be born from these trials. With time, I felt Alberi as my father. He was teaching me everything I know now. He helped me to experience emotion. That was something, which no one else from the “Company” was capable of. I was growing five times the normal growing rate of humans and I reached adulthood quite soon. Time passed and the “Company” was producing these super humans and Megors. Not long after that, the owners of the “Company” decided not to introduce the vaccines to the public and leave them to die from various diseases. They also had a plan to create an epidemic artificially, in order to reduce the human population. Alberi was rebelling against all that. Unfortunately, he was not able to do anything to change their minds. Time passed when the plan for remote mind control came. Alberi was appointed to lead a team of scientists to conduct this research. At first, they started with animals but soon enough they got orders to continue on humans. They were experimenting with innocent people without success, until… you Alan came. They were choosing many young people like yourself, but you were the perfect choice. You were the first one who underwent their experiments without mentally breaking down. They were giving you short little tasks, which you were executing perfectly. And the best thing was that you would not remember anything about the period, during which you were under their submission. Alberi had to monitor you closely, so he was renting houses close to your living locations. His last location is, as you know the house next to the hospital. Alberi contacted you with the simple aim to know what you think, but with time, he got attached to you and felt you as his son. That was the reason to quit that project years ago. He couldn't watch how they were using you for their benefit. We assume that this experiment has caused the cancer that you have. However, we are not sure. The “Company'” agents killed Alberi in his house because he was helping you Alan. I guess the rest you know. What I saw upstairs was something that I have never expected. I saw… Alberi.”
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